Review of the Best Chinese Restaurant in Houston Chinatown

Perfect banh beo at Nam Giao

Mai Pham/EHOU

20 Essential Asiatown Restaurants

Ramen, dim sum, Malaysian cuisine, and and then much more than wait

by Updated Nov 17, 2021, 12:10pm CST

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Perfect banh beo at Nam Giao

| Mai Pham/EHOU

There's no denying it: Houston's Chinatown is one of the best in the country. Originally established near East Downtown, the neighborhood has since migrated to Southwest Houston, centered around Bellaire Boulevard. Since, the area has evolved into a bustling "Asiatown," dwelling house to a diverse population of residents and a dizzying assortment of Thai, Japanese, Chinese, Malaysian, and Vietnamese eateries.

As such, in that location's plenty of places to swallow when you're visiting Asiatown. But where do you start in one of Houston'due south best dining neighborhoods? This map of the area'due south 20 essential eateries combines neighborhood favorites, chef-canonical picks, and newcomers that are poised to continue Chinatown's reign as one of the finest places to dine in Houston.

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Note: Restaurants on this map are listed geographically.

11360 Bellaire Blvd Ste 990
Houston, TX

Viet-Cajun crawfish is a Houston staple, and this Chinatown restaurant offers up one of the city's best takes. The bugs are big and juicy, the seasoning is spicy, and at that place'due south plenty of beer to cool off with. If crustaceans aren't your matter, in that location are of form a diverseness of noodle dishes and more interesting fare like hot pots and curried caprine animal on offer.

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11209 Bellaire Blvd # C-02
Houston, TX 77072

Arguably the most popular banh mi spot in Hong Kong Mall 4, Alpha Baker is a killer (and budget-friendly) lunch destination. Traditional ellipsoidal bread rolls are smeared with firm-made pate and firm-made mayonnaise, filled to the skirt with your choice of protein like grilled pork or xiu mai meat balls (the thit nguoi cold cutting is the about popular), then topped with pickled carrots and daikon, jalapeno slices, cucumber, cilantro and a few dashes of Maggi.

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11210 Bellaire Blvd
Houston, TX 77072

Family unit owned and operated for shut to 3 decades, Thien Thanh is the best Vietnamese banh cuon (steamed rice whorl) restaurant in Houston. Can't-miss classics include the banh cuon nhan thit (steamed rice rolls with footing pork) and the banh uot thit nuong (steamed rice rolls with grilled pork). Rounding out the bill of fare are Northward Vietnamese specialties like cha ca turmeric fish and bun rieu crab and tomato vermicelli soup.

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11201 Bellaire Blvd Suite 2
Houston, TX 77072

All-you-can-swallow shabu shabu is the proper noun of the game at Shabu Zone, where diners can stuff themselves silly with a pick of premium meats including Certified Akaushi Wagyu from Heartbrand Beef, make DIY sauces at the sauce station, and fill their pots from an expansive buffet of fresh vegetables and seafood ranging from bluish venereal to large sweetness shrimp. There are seven broths to choose from, and dessert is included in the price.

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6938 Wilcrest Dr
Houston, TX 77072

A highlight from David Chang's Houston episode of Ugly Delicious, this modest family-run restaurant specializes in Central Vietnamese cuisine. People fall head over heels for the adorable steamed rice cake saucers called banh beo chen and the chewy glutinous shrimp dumplings (banh quai vac). Regional specialties like bun bo hue (spicy lemongrass beefiness noodle soup) and mi quang (turmeric noodles with pork and shrimp) are too solid.

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6445 Wilcrest Dr
Houston, TX 77072

Role market place, part fast-casual eating place, San San Tofu is the place to go for Vietnamese vegetarian cuisine. In the kitchen, Vietnamese nuns plow out fantabulous vegetarian dim sum, three-item philharmonic noodle and rice plates, and a selection of excellent Vietnamese vegetarian noodle soups. The vegetarian bun rieu, which uses tofu and gluten in place of crab and shrimp, is exemplary, as are the jugs of warm, house-made pandan soy milk.

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18027 Bellaire Blvd Suite #116
Houston, TX

Belly up to one of Houston'southward all-time bowls of broth at this chef-endorsed pho spot. Chef Justin Yu is a fan of Pho Binh, as is the dedicated crowd of regulars that swears by its noodle soup every bit one of the all-time lunches in boondocks and an ideal hangover cure. If the pho craving strikes late, caput to sis shop Pho Binh Past Night for noodles from iv p.thousand. to 12 a.m.

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10613 Bellaire Blvd A10
Houston, TX 77072

Thai bronze sculptures and Thai fine art greet diners at this attractively appointed Thai eating place in Asiatown. Though the pad Thai and pad run across ew noodles are always on bespeak here, do yourself a favor and endeavor the crispy glazed Tony's wings, the unforgettable Tiger Weep beefiness, and the whole fried fish with special garlic sauce. Shredded mango salad with crispy fish is also incredible.

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10600 Bellaire Blvd Ste 105
Houston, TX

You won't observe the classic carts at this unassuming Chinatown spot, but it offers 1 of the city's best dim sum experiences. Shrimp & pork shu mai, deep-fried taro puffs, and banh cuon are all solid bets every single time.

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10600 Bellaire Blvd
Houston, TX 77072

The hours are limited — this spot'south only open from noon to 6 p.one thousand. on Tuesday and Wednesday, and 2 p.k. to36 p.chiliad. on Fri — but that's part of what makes Sushi Miyagi such a hidden jewel. Run past a husband and married woman team, Mrs. Miyagi is the hostess, waitress, food runner, and motorcoach-person, while Mr. Miyagi performs culinary magic with his easily, turning out beautiful plates of sashimi, pristine nigiri sushi, and chirashi bowls that have earned the chef legions of devoted fans.

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9896 Bellaire Blvd Ste B
Houston, TX

As its name might indicate, this restaurant is home to some of Houston's finest dumplings. Options for both vegetarians and carnivores are on offer, available steamed or fried. If a heartier repast is required, order the spicy beefiness noodle soup or dan dan noodles for a dejeuner (or dinner).

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9889 Bellaire Blvd Ste D-230
Houston, TX

Fantabulous bowls of ramen and grilled meats on sticks are on offer at this Blade Runner-inspired eatery. Miso, tonkotsu, and tantan broths are all solid, and the grilled octopus, pork belly, and gizzard skewers are incessantly addictive.

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9788 Bellaire Blvd
Houston, TX 77036

This dear OG Asiatown spot does a little fleck of everything. Want Chinese BBQ? Roast duck, roast pork, soy sauce craven, and char siu can be eaten in or taken to get. Want live seafood? The tanks only within the door business firm everything from alive rex crab to spot prawns and fresh fish. Hot pot and stir fry, fried rice, and noodles are also on offer. The key here is to order multiple dishes and share them all, family-style.

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9889 Bellaire Blvd #311
Houston, TX

You'll find the usuals like chicken fried rice on the carte du jour at Assistant Foliage, only the real gem is its casual Malaysian cuisine. The Penang assam laksa, or hot and sour noodles in a fish broth, is a must, equally is enough of the restaurant's housemade roti served with an incessantly addictive back-scratch dipping sauce.

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6650 Corporate Dr
Houston, TX

Try Chinese cuisine as information technology is prepared in Hong Kong at this popular Chinatown spot. Dig into comforting congee or beefiness chow fun, or merely stick with House of Bowls' ridiculously crispy fried chicken wings and dangerously decadent French toast, served with optional peanut butter and sweetened condensed milk drizzle.

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9600 Bellaire Blvd #119
Houston, TX

Open up for lunch and dinner, treat yourself to one of the urban center's best budget-friendly tasting menus with Pagolac'south vii courses of beef. The repast includes thinly-sliced tenderloin simmered at the table in a vinegar broth, charcoal-grilled beef sausage, steamed meatballs, and beefiness noodle soup, all for around $sixteen per person. Whole-grilled fish and housemade durian ice cream are also on offer.

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9630 Clarewood Dr Ste A-131
Houston, TX

The crown jewel in restaurateur Mike Tran's growing empire, Mein is one of the city'southward all-time spots for Cantonese cuisine. The housemade noodles are a star of the menu, made from scratch daily and tossed in XO sauce or served with a variety of meats, veggies, garnishes, and broth on the side. The crispy duck leg, served with tender pancakes, is also a must.

Mein Restaurant [Official Photo]

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9348 Bellaire Blvd
Houston, TX

Bring a oversupply and social club ane of the excellently-priced group meals at this James Beard-nominated Sichuan eatery, which comes with a diverseness of dishes like water boiled fish, cumin beef, pot-roasted tilapia, and a choice of appetizers. For solo diners, the mapo tofu and red oil-tossed rabbit is non to be missed.

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9310 Bellaire Blvd
Houston, TX 77036

For the best soup dumplings and crispy-bottomed bao in Asiatown, no place holds a candle to One Dragon Restaurant. A mom-and-pop shop with just 10 tables, the husband is the cook, while the married woman runs the front of the house. Staff are friendly, and there'southward always a wait during peak hours. Beyond the dumplings, highlights on this Shanghainese menu include the braised pork belly, the seasonal vegetable plates, and the crispy red bean dessert.

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6816 Ranchester Dr
Houston, TX 77036

From in-table hot pot, to wonton noodle soup, bo luc lac shaking beef rice plates and the famous banh bot chien fried rice block with egg, this sprawling Chinese-Vietnamese restaurant has been an Asiatown staple for Houstonians since 1986. Open from 10 a.m to midnight daily seven days a week, Tan Tan delivers everything from ritzy, banquet-fashion multi-form meals with lobster and Peking duck to a quick noodle ready.

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ane. Crawfish & Noodles

Ellie Sharp/EHOU

Viet-Cajun crawfish is a Houston staple, and this Chinatown restaurant offers up one of the metropolis's best takes. The bugs are big and juicy, the seasoning is spicy, and there's plenty of beer to cool off with. If crustaceans aren't your affair, there are of course a variety of noodle dishes and more interesting fare similar hot pots and curried goat on offering.

11360 Bellaire Blvd Ste 990
Houston, TX

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two. Alpha Bakery & Deli

Mai Pham/EHOU

Arguably the most popular banh mi spot in Hong Kong Mall four, Alpha Bakery is a killer (and budget-friendly) tiffin destination. Traditional oblong staff of life rolls are smeared with business firm-made pate and house-made mayonnaise, filled to the brim with your choice of poly peptide like grilled pork or xiu mai meat balls (the thit nguoi common cold cut is the virtually pop), then topped with pickled carrots and daikon, jalapeno slices, cucumber, cilantro and a few dashes of Maggi.

11209 Bellaire Blvd # C-02
Houston, TX 77072

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three. Thien Thanh Eating house

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Family owned and operated for close to three decades, Thien Thanh is the best Vietnamese banh cuon (steamed rice ringlet) eatery in Houston. Tin't-miss classics include the banh cuon nhan thit (steamed rice rolls with ground pork) and the banh uot thit nuong (steamed rice rolls with grilled pork). Rounding out the menu are Due north Vietnamese specialties like cha ca turmeric fish and bun rieu crab and tomato plant vermicelli soup.

11210 Bellaire Blvd
Houston, TX 77072

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four. Shabu Zone

Mai Pham/EHOU

All-y'all-can-eat shabu shabu is the name of the game at Shabu Zone, where diners can stuff themselves empty-headed with a selection of premium meats including Certified Akaushi Wagyu from Heartbrand Beef, make DIY sauces at the sauce station, and fill their pots from an expansive buffet of fresh vegetables and seafood ranging from blue crabs to large sweet shrimp. There are seven broths to cull from, and dessert is included in the price.

11201 Bellaire Blvd Suite two
Houston, TX 77072

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5. Nam Giao Restaurant & Bakery

Mai Pham/EHOU

A highlight from David Chang's Houston episode of Ugly Succulent, this modest family-run eating place specializes in Central Vietnamese cuisine. People fall caput over heels for the adorable steamed rice cake saucers chosen banh beo chen and the chewy glutinous shrimp dumplings (banh quai vac). Regional specialties like bun bo hue (spicy lemongrass beef noodle soup) and mi quang (turmeric noodles with pork and shrimp) are too solid.

6938 Wilcrest Dr
Houston, TX 77072

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six. San San Tofu

Part market, office fast-coincidental eatery, San San Tofu is the place to go for Vietnamese vegetarian cuisine. In the kitchen, Vietnamese nuns plough out excellent vegetarian dim sum, three-item combo noodle and rice plates, and a selection of splendid Vietnamese vegetarian noodle soups. The vegetarian bun rieu, which uses tofu and gluten in place of crab and shrimp, is exemplary, every bit are the jugs of warm, business firm-made pandan soy milk.

6445 Wilcrest Dr
Houston, TX 77072

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seven. Pho Binh

Abdomen up to ane of Houston'due south best bowls of broth at this chef-endorsed pho spot. Chef Justin Yu is a fan of Pho Binh, equally is the defended crowd of regulars that swears by its noodle soup equally i of the best lunches in town and an ideal hangover cure. If the pho craving strikes late, head to sister shop Pho Binh By Night for noodles from 4 p.m. to 12 a.m.

18027 Bellaire Blvd Suite #116
Houston, TX

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8. Tony Thai Eatery

Mai Pham/EHOU

Thai bronze sculptures and Thai art greet diners at this attractively appointed Thai eating house in Asiatown. Though the pad Thai and pad run across ew noodles are always on point here, exercise yourself a favor and attempt the crispy glazed Tony'due south wings, the unforgettable Tiger Cry beef, and the whole fried fish with special garlic sauce. Shredded mango salad with crispy fish is besides incredible.

10613 Bellaire Blvd A10
Houston, TX 77072

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nine. Gilded Dim Sum

You won't find the classic carts at this unassuming Chinatown spot, but information technology offers one of the city'south best dim sum experiences. Shrimp & pork shu mai, deep-fried taro puffs, and banh cuon are all solid bets every single time.

10600 Bellaire Blvd Ste 105
Houston, TX

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10. Sushi Miyagi

The hours are express — this spot'south only open from noon to half-dozen p.m. on Tuesday and Wed, and 2 p.yard. to36 p.m. on Friday — but that's part of what makes Sushi Miyagi such a subconscious gem. Run by a husband and wife team, Mrs. Miyagi is the hostess, waitress, nutrient runner, and bus-person, while Mr. Miyagi performs culinary magic with his hands, turning out beautiful plates of sashimi, pristine nigiri sushi, and chirashi bowls that have earned the chef legions of devoted fans.

10600 Bellaire Blvd
Houston, TX 77072

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11. Golden Dumpling House

Every bit its name might indicate, this restaurant is home to some of Houston'due south finest dumplings. Options for both vegetarians and carnivores are on offer, available steamed or fried. If a heartier repast is required, order the spicy beefiness noodle soup or dan dan noodles for a luncheon (or dinner).

9896 Bellaire Blvd Ste B
Houston, TX

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12. Tiger Den

First-class bowls of ramen and grilled meats on sticks are on offer at this Bract Runner-inspired eatery. Miso, tonkotsu, and tantan broths are all solid, and the grilled octopus, pork abdomen, and gizzard skewers are endlessly addictive.

9889 Bellaire Blvd Ste D-230
Houston, TX

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13. Sinh Sinh

Mai Pham/EHOU

This honey OG Asiatown spot does a picayune bit of everything. Want Chinese BBQ? Roast duck, roast pork, soy sauce craven, and char siu tin be eaten in or taken to become. Want alive seafood? The tanks only within the door house everything from live king crab to spot prawns and fresh fish. Hot pot and stir fry, fried rice, and noodles are also on offer. The primal here is to order multiple dishes and share them all, family-style.

9788 Bellaire Blvd
Houston, TX 77036

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xiv. Banana Leaf

You'll find the usuals like chicken fried rice on the carte at Banana Leaf, merely the real precious stone is its casual Malaysian cuisine. The Penang assam laksa, or hot and sour noodles in a fish broth, is a must, as is plenty of the restaurant'due south housemade roti served with an incessantly addictive curry dipping sauce.

9889 Bellaire Blvd #311
Houston, TX

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15. Firm of Bowls

Try Chinese cuisine as it is prepared in Hong Kong at this pop Chinatown spot. Dig into comforting congee or beef grub fun, or just stick with Business firm of Bowls' ridiculously crispy fried chicken wings and dangerously decadent French toast, served with optional peanut butter and sweetened condensed milk drizzle.

6650 Corporate Dr
Houston, TX

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16. Saigon Pagolac

Saigon Pagolac

Open for lunch and dinner, treat yourself to one of the city's all-time budget-friendly tasting menus with Pagolac'southward vii courses of beef. The meal includes thinly-sliced tenderloin simmered at the table in a vinegar broth, charcoal-grilled beef sausage, steamed meatballs, and beef noodle soup, all for around $xvi per person. Whole-grilled fish and housemade durian ice cream are likewise on offer.

9600 Bellaire Blvd #119
Houston, TX

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17. Mein Eatery

Mein Eating place [Official Photo]

The crown jewel in restaurateur Mike Tran'due south growing empire, Mein is i of the urban center's best spots for Cantonese cuisine. The housemade noodles are a star of the menu, made from scratch daily and tossed in XO sauce or served with a variety of meats, veggies, garnishes, and broth on the side. The crispy duck leg, served with tender pancakes, is too a must.

9630 Clarewood Dr Ste A-131
Houston, TX

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18. Mala Sichuan Chophouse

Julie Soefer

Bring a crowd and order i of the excellently-priced group meals at this James Bristles-nominated Sichuan eatery, which comes with a variety of dishes similar h2o boiled fish, cumin beef, pot-roasted tilapia, and a selection of appetizers. For solo diners, the mapo tofu and scarlet oil-tossed rabbit is not to exist missed.

9348 Bellaire Blvd
Houston, TX

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19. One Dragon Eating place

For the best soup dumplings and crispy-bottomed bao in Asiatown, no identify holds a candle to One Dragon Eatery. A mom-and-pop store with just 10 tables, the husband is the cook, while the married woman runs the front of the house. Staff are friendly, and there's always a wait during peak hours. Beyond the dumplings, highlights on this Shanghainese menu include the braised pork abdomen, the seasonal vegetable plates, and the crispy red edible bean dessert.

9310 Bellaire Blvd
Houston, TX 77036

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20. Tan Tan Restaurant

From in-table hot pot, to wonton noodle soup, bo luc lac shaking beef rice plates and the famous banh bot chien fried rice block with egg, this sprawling Chinese-Vietnamese eating house has been an Asiatown staple for Houstonians since 1986. Open up from 10 a.m to midnight daily seven days a calendar week, Tan Tan delivers everything from ritzy, banquet-style multi-course meals with lobster and Peking duck to a quick noodle set.

6816 Ranchester Dr
Houston, TX 77036

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